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Little Kyoto.Join Japan Deluxe Tours during an epic adventure on our fully-guided Takayama & Villages | Hiroshima Tour vacation. Enjoy the top spots in all Japan before we travel back in time to the hidden village of Takayama on this dynamic blend of old & modern Japanese culture.
Itinerary |
---|
Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in HotelFeatured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!
Narita Int'l Airport (NRT)
or
Haneda Int'l Airport (HND)
|
Arrival Transfer
|
Check in to a hotel
|
Purchase
Optional Travel Insurance
Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. |
Day 2 Tokyo | Navigating the Ever-Crowded Shibuya Crossing Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!
[
Tokyo
]
Fukagawa Edo Museum
|
Kiyosumi Garden
|
Tsukiji Fish Market
|
Teppan-yaki Dining
|
[
Asakusa
]
Sensoji Temple
|
Return to the Hotel
|
Tokyo Skytree (JDT Recommend)
We start the tour off with a visit to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period. We will also make our way across the street for a visit to Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese garden nestled within the bustling metropolis. Our next stop is Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo! For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal before we dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats for dessert from Takeshita Dori. The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo. |
Day 3 Tokyo | Experiencing Modern Tokyo Breakfast Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )
The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!
Tokyo Station
(Photo Stop) |
Meiji Shrine
|
Omotesando
|
Shibuya Hachiko
|
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
|
Odaiba
|
Return to the hotel
|
teamLab★ (JDT Recommends)
Tokyo Banana (JDT Recommends)
|
Our first stop this morning will be Meiji shrine which was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife in 1920. Enjoy the morning stroll through a peaceful and serene shrine. It is hard to believe that the busy Harajuku station is only a few minutes away. Then we are off to discover Harajuku & Omotesando area. There are filled with cute shops, delicious crapes, high end stores and beautiful café and restaurants. Don't forget to check out Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals. Here you have opportunity to try local venders for lunch. We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. We continue with a sightseeing drive through iconic areas of modern Tokyo such as the new Olympic Stadium, Tokyo Tower, and the Roppongi area before stopping in Odaiba where we will end our day. In Odaiba, we will spend some time at the colorful teamLab Borderless for a truly innovative digital art experience. For those who want to leave early, we recommend stopping by the Statue of Liberty looking over Tokyo Bay or the Mega Web exhibit to learn more about the latest in technological advancement in automobiles. |
Day 4 Tokyo & Nagano | Traditional Japanese Kimono Art Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences IROHA GRAND HOTEL Matsumoto Ekimae or similar
[
Lake Kawaguchi
]
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
|
Hōtō (Lunch)
|
[
Nagano Prefecture
]
Matsumoto Castle
|
Check in to a hotel
Our first stop for today is the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric tie dye technique. Many of his work is on display at this museum. Browse through the decadent collection of Kimono decorated in this traditional Japanese art. Western buildings built in a serene Japanese garden over looking Mt. Fuji, you will find yourself in a magical place. For lunch, we will stop and enjoy a bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. Hoto is a flat udon noodle soup filled with lots of local fresh vegetable, like daikon and kabocha with miso based flavor and is considered a comfort food by locals. Before heading to the hotel, your group will be visiting Matsumoto Castle, also named the Crow Castle due to the unique black color of the building. Considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, the castle has never been destroyed with its initial buildings still intact since construction. The castle tower is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and is a designated national treasure. |
Day 5 Nakasendo & Takayama | Hiking through Traditional Japanese Towns Breakfast Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences Takayama Green Hotel or similar
Takayama Green Hotel ( Japanese Style )
Takayama Green Hotel is a new type of resort that combines the functionality of an urban hotel with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn, giving it an unique ambience of the old city of Hida. The hotel has a traditional indoor/ outdoor hot spring, a restaurant using local products, and traditional souvenir shop. The location is walking distant to Takayama Old Town.
[
Gifu Prefecture
]
Magome
|
Tsumago
|
[
Takayama
]
Takayama Old Town
|
Takayama Yatai Kaikan
|
Hida Wagyu
(JDT Recommend) | Beef Bun (JDT Recommends) | Check in to a hotel Today, our Takayama tour will have several stops before arriving in the city of Takayama. We’ll be following the Nakasendo Trail and enjoy a brief hike between Tsumago and Magome, the forty-second and forty-third stations of the trail respectively. The two towns are well-preserved and even go as far as making sure that electrical wires, TV antennas, and telephone poles do not show, allowing visitors to experience what it was like walking through town during the Edo Period. Enjoy some wagashi Japanese sweets and relax with a cup of tea before we make our way to Takayama. The first stop in Takayama will be the Takayama Yatai Kaikan or Takayama Float Museum. Takayama is home to what is regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan, the Takayama Festival. During the festival, ornately decorated floats are paraded through the streets and are a highlight of the festival itself. The museum provides the history and an up close look of the floats used during the festival, shedding light on the heart and soul of the city. |
Day 6 Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa | Exploring
|
Day 7 Shiga & Kyoto | Museum designed by the Legendary I.M. Pei Breakfast Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )
Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.
Moss Village & Wisdom Forest
|
[
Shiga Prefecture
]
Miho Museum
|
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Ninenzaka
|
Tea Ceremony
|
Check in to a hotel
|
Kyoto Station Light Show
|
Ramen (JDT Recommends)
|
Yatsuhashi (JDT Recommends)
We begin our day with a visit to the Koke no Sato Wisdom Forest. The Forest of Wisdom is one of the best places to see various Japanese moss, and the Wisdom House in the forest is meant to encourage guests to share experiences with others or engage in a workshop before getting lost in nature. We then make our way to the Miho Museum to enjoy a morning filled with contemporary and Japanese art. Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Miho Museum is a modern architectural treasure located in the quiet forests of the Shiga prefecture and is meant to blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature. Take in the calm and picturesque grounds while enjoying the works of art on display ranging from classic modern-day artworks to treasures from ancient civilizations. The tour will then head to Kyoto for a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony in Ninenzaka. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! |
Day 8 Kyoto | Dine with Japan's Next Generation of Geisha Artisans Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )
Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Arashiyama
|
Jin-riki-sha Ride
|
Golden Pavilion
|
Maiko Dining Experience
|
[
Nara Prefecture
]
Todaiji Temple
|
Deer Park
|
Fushimi Inari Shrine
|
Inari Sushi
(JDT Recommends) | Check into the hotel | Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery. Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf making for a spectacular photo-op. We continue the tour with a kaiseki lunch accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. The tour will then head to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, the deer are adored by people all over the world. The rest of the day will be spent at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often. |
Day 9 Himeji | UNESCO Certified White Heron Castle Breakfast Dinner Breakfast Dinner
Featured Destinations & Experiences Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima ( Western Style )
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is located in the heart of Hiroshima's Downtown. The Hotel offers beautiful view of Hiroshima City. Hotel offers many modern facilities and services like the gym, hot springs, and spa (these are extra charges). Many famous sight see spots are within walking distance such as Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Atomic Bomb Dome. Today, we will travel further west to visit two of the best places in Japan. The first will be the magnificent Himeji Castle. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful castle. Nicknamed the White Heron Castle due to the castle’s brilliant white walls, the castle maintains almost all of its original structures since its construction in the early 1600’s. After overcoming war, natural disasters, and going through restorative work, enjoy exploring around the stunning castle grounds. |
Day 10 Hiroshima | The City of Peace's Stunning Park & Museum Breakfast Lunch Breakfast Lunch
Featured Destinations & Experiences Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima ( Western Style )
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is located in the heart of Hiroshima's Downtown. The Hotel offers beautiful view of Hiroshima City. Hotel offers many modern facilities and services like the gym, hot springs, and spa (these are extra charges). Many famous sight see spots are within walking distance such as Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Atomic Bomb Dome.
[
Hiroshima Prefecture
]
A-Bomb Dome
|
Peace Memorial Park
|
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
|
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
|
[
Miyajima
]
Itsukushima Shrine
|
Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)
|
Oysters (JDT Recommends)
|
Check in to a hotel
Today, we will make our way to Hiroshima for a visit to several iconic sites. A visit to Hiroshima is not complete without a visit to the iconic A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Memorial Park where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell. Then we will go into the Peace Memorial Museum.
|
Day 11 Hiroshima | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan Breakfast Breakfast
Featured Destinations & ExperiencesYour pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan. |
Start | Twin Share | Note | |||
This tour has ended. Click here for upcoming tours. |
Tour Goods Package
The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.
Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.
We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room.
Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).
All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.
All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.
All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.
We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure. You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.
Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.
Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.
We understand sometimes unanticipated situations may arise before or even during your Japan tour. In order to best assist you when things don't go as planned, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance offered through Travel Guard® Insurance.
Travel Guard® Insurance offers coverage for: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay, Medical Expense (deductible required), Emergency Medical Transportation, and an Exclusive Family Protection Plan: One child 16 or under will receive coverage at no additional cost for every adult that purchase a protection plan. Every Travel Guard policy includes 24-hour emergency travel assistance services for emergencies or last-minute travel changes, such as re-booking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, tracking lost luggage, and more!
For more information about coverage, view our Travel Insurance Page.
We cannot guarantee cherry blossoms will be in full bloom for viewing during this tour. Please refer to our Cherry Blossom Forecast page for updates and information about Sakura Cherry Blossoms and when they are expected to bloom in select cities.
Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian
meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.
Day | Itinerary
|
---|---|
Day 1 |
Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel
Narita Int'l Airport (NRT)
or
Haneda Int'l Airport (HND)
|
Arrival Transfer
|
Check in to a hotel
|
Purchase
Optional Travel Insurance
Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 2 |
Day 2 Tokyo | Navigating the Ever-Crowded Shibuya Crossing Breakfast Lunch
[
Tokyo
]
Fukagawa Edo Museum
|
Kiyosumi Garden
|
Tsukiji Fish Market
|
Teppan-yaki Dining
|
[
Asakusa
]
Sensoji Temple
|
Return to the Hotel
|
Tokyo Skytree (JDT Recommend)
We start the tour off with a visit to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period. We will also make our way across the street for a visit to Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese garden nestled within the bustling metropolis. Our next stop is Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo! For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal before we dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats for dessert from Takeshita Dori. The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 3 |
Day 3 Tokyo | Experiencing Modern Tokyo Breakfast
Tokyo Station
(Photo Stop) |
Meiji Shrine
|
Omotesando
|
Shibuya Hachiko
|
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
|
Odaiba
|
Return to the hotel
|
teamLab★ (JDT Recommends)
Tokyo Banana (JDT Recommends)
|
Our first stop this morning will be Meiji shrine which was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife in 1920. Enjoy the morning stroll through a peaceful and serene shrine. It is hard to believe that the busy Harajuku station is only a few minutes away. Then we are off to discover Harajuku & Omotesando area. There are filled with cute shops, delicious crapes, high end stores and beautiful café and restaurants. Don't forget to check out Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals. Here you have opportunity to try local venders for lunch. We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. We continue with a sightseeing drive through iconic areas of modern Tokyo such as the new Olympic Stadium, Tokyo Tower, and the Roppongi area before stopping in Odaiba where we will end our day. In Odaiba, we will spend some time at the colorful teamLab Borderless for a truly innovative digital art experience. For those who want to leave early, we recommend stopping by the Statue of Liberty looking over Tokyo Bay or the Mega Web exhibit to learn more about the latest in technological advancement in automobiles.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar |
Day 4 |
Day 4 Tokyo & Nagano | Traditional Japanese Kimono Art Breakfast Lunch
[
Lake Kawaguchi
]
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
|
Hōtō (Lunch)
|
[
Nagano Prefecture
]
Matsumoto Castle
|
Check in to a hotel
Our first stop for today is the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric tie dye technique. Many of his work is on display at this museum. Browse through the decadent collection of Kimono decorated in this traditional Japanese art. Western buildings built in a serene Japanese garden over looking Mt. Fuji, you will find yourself in a magical place. For lunch, we will stop and enjoy a bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. Hoto is a flat udon noodle soup filled with lots of local fresh vegetable, like daikon and kabocha with miso based flavor and is considered a comfort food by locals. Before heading to the hotel, your group will be visiting Matsumoto Castle, also named the Crow Castle due to the unique black color of the building. Considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, the castle has never been destroyed with its initial buildings still intact since construction. The castle tower is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and is a designated national treasure.
IROHA GRAND HOTEL Matsumoto Ekimae or similar |
Day 5 |
Day 5 Nakasendo & Takayama | Hiking through Traditional Japanese Towns Breakfast
[
Gifu Prefecture
]
Magome
|
Tsumago
|
[
Takayama
]
Takayama Old Town
|
Takayama Yatai Kaikan
|
Hida Wagyu
(JDT Recommend) | Beef Bun (JDT Recommends) | Check in to a hotel Today, our Takayama tour will have several stops before arriving in the city of Takayama. We’ll be following the Nakasendo Trail and enjoy a brief hike between Tsumago and Magome, the forty-second and forty-third stations of the trail respectively. The two towns are well-preserved and even go as far as making sure that electrical wires, TV antennas, and telephone poles do not show, allowing visitors to experience what it was like walking through town during the Edo Period. Enjoy some wagashi Japanese sweets and relax with a cup of tea before we make our way to Takayama. The first stop in Takayama will be the Takayama Yatai Kaikan or Takayama Float Museum. Takayama is home to what is regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan, the Takayama Festival. During the festival, ornately decorated floats are paraded through the streets and are a highlight of the festival itself. The museum provides the history and an up close look of the floats used during the festival, shedding light on the heart and soul of the city.
Takayama Green Hotel or similar |
Day 6 |
Day 6 Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa | Exploring
|
Day 7 |
Day 7 Shiga & Kyoto | Museum designed by the Legendary I.M. Pei Breakfast
Moss Village & Wisdom Forest
|
[
Shiga Prefecture
]
Miho Museum
|
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Ninenzaka
|
Tea Ceremony
|
Check in to a hotel
|
Kyoto Station Light Show
|
Ramen (JDT Recommends)
|
Yatsuhashi (JDT Recommends)
We begin our day with a visit to the Koke no Sato Wisdom Forest. The Forest of Wisdom is one of the best places to see various Japanese moss, and the Wisdom House in the forest is meant to encourage guests to share experiences with others or engage in a workshop before getting lost in nature. We then make our way to the Miho Museum to enjoy a morning filled with contemporary and Japanese art. Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Miho Museum is a modern architectural treasure located in the quiet forests of the Shiga prefecture and is meant to blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature. Take in the calm and picturesque grounds while enjoying the works of art on display ranging from classic modern-day artworks to treasures from ancient civilizations. The tour will then head to Kyoto for a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony in Ninenzaka. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha!
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar |
Day 8 |
Day 8 Kyoto | Dine with Japan's Next Generation of Geisha Artisans Breakfast Lunch
[
Kyoto Prefecture
]
Arashiyama
|
Jin-riki-sha Ride
|
Golden Pavilion
|
Maiko Dining Experience
|
[
Nara Prefecture
]
Todaiji Temple
|
Deer Park
|
Fushimi Inari Shrine
|
Inari Sushi
(JDT Recommends) | Check into the hotel | Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery. Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf making for a spectacular photo-op. We continue the tour with a kaiseki lunch accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. The tour will then head to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, the deer are adored by people all over the world. The rest of the day will be spent at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often.
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar |
Day 9 |
Day 9 Himeji | UNESCO Certified White Heron Castle Breakfast Dinner
Today, we will travel further west to visit two of the best places in Japan. The first will be the magnificent Himeji Castle. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful castle. Nicknamed the White Heron Castle due to the castle’s brilliant white walls, the castle maintains almost all of its original structures since its construction in the early 1600’s. After overcoming war, natural disasters, and going through restorative work, enjoy exploring around the stunning castle grounds.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
Day 10 |
Day 10 Hiroshima | The City of Peace's Stunning Park & Museum Breakfast Lunch
[
Hiroshima Prefecture
]
A-Bomb Dome
|
Peace Memorial Park
|
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
|
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
|
[
Miyajima
]
Itsukushima Shrine
|
Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)
|
Oysters (JDT Recommends)
|
Check in to a hotel
Today, we will make our way to Hiroshima for a visit to several iconic sites. A visit to Hiroshima is not complete without a visit to the iconic A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Memorial Park where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell. Then we will go into the Peace Memorial Museum.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
Day 11 |
Day 11 Hiroshima | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan Breakfast
Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.
|
All small-group journeys are guaranteed to operate with just 6 guests.